‘Only one way to play this game is to win’: Queiroz rejects calls to throw Croatia match

Queiroz has firmly dismissed the suggestion that the Black Stars could be better served by losing to Croatia on Saturday in order to engineer a more favourable round-of-32 draw and avoid being routed back to Canada, where Thomas Partey remains barred from entry.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference in Philadelphia on Friday afternoon, the Ghana head coach refused even to entertain the math behind the chatter, brushing aside questions on permutations and Partey’s visa situation in the same breath.

He had, he said, only one game on his mind, and only one approach to playing it.

“The game of football is so difficult. You cannot play two or three games at the same time. We just focus on one game, which is Croatia, and get results. Play good football. With good football, be better than them on the pitch. That’s what we’re going to try to do. Fight more, be better.”

Ghana booked their place in the round of 32 on Friday night after Spain’s 1-0 win over Uruguay confirmed the Black Stars as one of the eight best third-placed teams at worst, regardless of Saturday’s result.

With qualification secured and an unusually wide spread of possible knockout opponents and venues depending on whether Ghana finish first, second or third in Group L, the Portuguese coach says they will accept whatever the situation is after the game.

“When the results come at the end of the game, we’ll be there to make decisions, if we’re first, second or third… But important is to play one game. Only one game. And the game is big enough tomorrow against Croatia to play other games outside the pitch.”

If Ghana finish first, they will face one of the third-placed qualifiers from Groups I, J or K in the round of 32 in Atlanta. A second-placed finish will see Ghana face the runners-up of Group K, which is likely to be either Colombia or Portugal, in Toronto.

If Ghana finish third, they will face the winners of Group K, most likely either Colombia or Portugal, in a round-of-32 fixture pencilled in for Kansas City.

“I only have one way to play the game. It is play for win and that is what we going to do tomorrow. Express ourselves and have the freedom to enjoy and play good football and during 90 minutes with the same concentration and same resilience,” Queiroz responded after hearing the permutations.

The Croatia threat

Croatia arrive in Philadelphia bruised by their 4-2 defeat to England on matchday one but back on the qualification track after a 1-0 win over Panama.

Luka Modric, at 40, continues to pull the strings. The game against Panama was his 200th in Croatian colours, and the Portuguese head coach describes him as "one of the most brilliant players in football history.”

Queiroz believes the defeat against England wasn't a true reflection of the quality of this Croatia side as he sent out a warning to his players.

“I think after I saw the game several times, they even deserve a better result. I think the result 4-2 was too heavy for Croatia. That’s why we are full alert… Tomorrow we only have one option. We have to come out more strong and better.”

Mindset and message

Pressed on what fans should expect on Saturday evening, the head coach promised an intense game at the Philadelphia stadium.

“For sure it will be tough, intensive for both sides. But at the end of the day, I do believe it will be a lot of fun and entertainment for everybody. I hope, with the inspiration of my players, that we will be able to express good football. The best football on the day, on the pitch.”

“And if we are able to do that, I’m sure that we will be more close to winning. Which is the target that we have in our mind, to play for winning, as always. So, that’s it. Simple like that. We are ready for the match tomorrow,” he added.

Ghana conclude their group stage at the Philadelphia stadium on Saturday when they take on Croatia.